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Mental Health

The Impact of Pets on Mental Health

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Medically Reviewed by Mark Hrymoc, M.D., Chief Medical Officer, double-board certified in General & Addiction Psychiatry Pets have long been a source of comfort and companionship, but in recent years, there has been increasing scientific recognition of the significant positive impact they have on mental health. From reducing stress and anxiety to improving emotional well-being, the relationship between humans and animals is powerful and deeply beneficial. Let’s explore how pets, particularly emotional support animals (ESAs), can enhance our mental health and the many advantages of pet ownership. The Link Between Pets and Mental Health Research has shown that pets offer emotional support that helps reduce feelings of loneliness, alleviate stress, and even combat more serious mental health issues like depression and anxiety. A 2019 study published in Frontiers in Psychology found that pet owners often experience lower blood pressure, reduced levels of cortisol (a stress hormone), and increased levels of …

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The Connection Between Mental Health and Addiction: Understanding Dual Diagnosis

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Medically Reviewed by Mark Hrymoc, M.D., Chief Medical Officer, double-board certified in General & Addiction Psychiatry Addiction and mental health disorders are often intertwined, with each influencing the other in profound ways. When both conditions occur simultaneously, they are referred to as co-occurring disorders or dual diagnosis. Understanding the connection between mental health and addiction, and why integrated treatment is essential, is critical for those struggling with both conditions. What is Dual Diagnosis? Dual diagnosis refers to the presence of both a mental health disorder (such as depression, anxiety, bipolar disorder, or schizophrenia) and a substance use disorder (such as alcohol or drug addiction) in the same individual. These conditions often develop concurrently, with one disorder influencing or exacerbating the other. Research has shown that approximately 50% of individuals with a severe mental health disorder also have a substance use disorder (SAMHSA, 2019). How Mental Health and Addiction Are Connected …

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Music and Mental Health: A Creative Way of Healing

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Medically Reviewed by Mark Hrymoc, M.D., Chief Medical Officer, double-board certified in General & Addiction Psychiatry Music has been an integral part of human culture for thousands of years, transcending boundaries of time and geography. Music evokes emotion, fosters connection, and provides comfort. Beyond this, music is increasingly recognized as a powerful tool in mental health therapy. Recent research highlights the profound benefits of music therapy in addressing mental health issues, offering patients a creative outlet for emotional expression and a pathway to healing. Let’s explore the role of music therapy in mental health treatment, its therapeutic benefits, and how it’s being used in innovative ways to support emotional well-being: What is Music Therapy? Music therapy is a clinical and evidence-based therapeutic approach that uses music to address emotional, cognitive, and social needs. Trained music therapists work with individuals or groups to facilitate healing, using a variety of musical techniques …

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High Functioning Anxiety: Signs and Coping Skills

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Medically Reviewed by Mark Hrymoc, M.D., Chief Medical Officer, double-board certified in General & Addiction Psychiatry High-functioning anxiety refers to the ability to perform daily tasks and responsibilities despite experiencing anxiety. People with this condition may seem outwardly calm, confident, and competent, but internally, they’re dealing with intense feelings of worry, fear, and nervousness. This type of anxiety can manifest in different ways, and it’s often mistaken for being “productive” or “driven,” when in fact, it may stem from an overwhelming need to control, fear of failure, or perfectionism. Unlike traditional anxiety, which might lead someone to avoid certain situations or withdraw, those with high-functioning anxiety often push through and appear to be managing it well. However, this can be mentally and physically exhausting in the long run. Recent Research on High-Functioning Anxiety Recent studies have shed light on various aspects of high-functioning anxiety: Prevalence and Impact: A 2024 poll …

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Boundaries and Mental Health

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Medically Reviewed by Mark Hrymoc, M.D., Chief Medical Officer, double-board certified in General & Addiction Psychiatry Though “boundaries” can sound like a buzzword these days, they are actually crucially important to understand and practice. Boundaries are the invisible lines that protect our emotional well-being, and learning how to set and enforce them is essential for cultivating healthy relationships and preserving personal peace. Setting boundaries is often easier said than done. Many of us are taught to be people-pleasers, to put others’ needs before our own, or to ignore our personal limits in favor of productivity. Unfortunately, this comes at the cost of our mental health. Research shows that without clear boundaries, we risk burnout, anxiety, and emotional exhaustion. In this post, we’ll explore why boundaries matter, how they support mental well-being, and the role they play in building and maintaining healthy relationships. What Are Boundaries and Why Do They Matter? …

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